sets 1 of 2

Definition of setsnext
present tense third-person singular of set
1
as in spawns
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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as in sits
chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in aims
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal determined to see the West, she set her car towards the sun and drove off

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sets

2 of 2

noun

plural of set
1
as in factions
a group of people acting together within a larger group the younger set is less likely to volunteer for the church's annual rummage sale

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as in decors
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production built sets for the play

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sets
Verb
This bill sets the national floor at whatever the least regulated state happens to allow. Jesse Plunkett, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 Decision reversibility sets the upper bound on tolerable error. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026 There is no federal standard that sets a maximum temperature or defines mandatory heat protections. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026 Variety said the show’s tagline sets the stage for a dramatic true-crime program. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026 What Makes The Salty Dog Café Unique While the sailor’s tale gives the Salty Dog Café its storybook charm, its unmistakable branding is what truly sets it apart. Abby Price, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 The purchase agreement, which will be made in three phases, sets the price per acre at $30,000, town officials said. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 December 22 – January 19 A steady plan today sets everything up to work better. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 It’s snug for two, but undeniably cozy—with a familiarity and warmth that sets it apart from a standard hotel stay. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Bikeradar noted the kit, which includes calipers, levers, hoses, and two sets of pads, costs €750 (US$880) in Europe. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026 Even on a generous patio, clean-lined, multi-functional pieces read as more sophisticated than oversized sets that crowd the space. Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026 For each exercise, complete 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps (and choose a weight that’s heavy enough to make the last rep of each set feel nearly impossible). Jenessa Connor, Health, 1 May 2026 That evolution meant the sets, constructed on a soundstage at the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, were about eight times bigger compared to the original production. Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026 Motor-core jackets with bold dual emblems, track sets that look like a Formula 1 driver’s suit, hoodies and Ts are created for the collection. Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 Another one of my mom's tried-and-true matching sets from Amazon is the Sampeel Two-piece Lounge Set, which features a more sophisticated mock neckline for additional coverage and comfort. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026 Matching sets, like this turtleneck and skirt combo, take the work out of putting together a sleek outfit. Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Eight-piece sets include an 8-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish, 7-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish, 4-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish and 4-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish, all with lids. ABC News, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets
Verb
  • Hating cops also spawns ridiculous protests, like the ones that called for police to be defunded.
    Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The energy of the collision spawns many new particles, including—sometimes—W bosons.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Rolder chooses the right sport Detroit’s fourth-round selection, Jimmy Rolder, was faced with a tough decision in college between baseball and football.
    Bob Tripi, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Rolder chooses the right sport Detroit's fourth-round selection, Jimmy Rolder, was faced with a tough decision in college between baseball and football.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That should concern anyone who values stability in our elections, regardless of party.
    Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The organization clearly values him.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Mackenzie Arnold made four saves for her third clean sheet of the season and fifth overall for Portland (6-1-1), which sits atop the league standings.
    Phuoc Nguyen, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • That translates to asking your stylist for something that sits between the lip and chin with a very blunt, controlled perimeter.
    Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Paramount Skydance last year unveiled a new ad format for its Paramount+ streamer that aims to create new value for streaming inventory.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Virginia voters just approved redistricting that aims to add four Democratic seats within its 11-member delegation.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Zion Phelps story is going to be told over and over at Loyola High to show students what can happen when someone discovers potential and decides to take a chance to bring it out.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • The board decides annually if the rent should go up, and by how much.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Loop Capital expects Wex to stage a comeback, particularly as its over-the-road (OTR) business that makes up ~30% of mobility segment secures more sales.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Canes tackle secures Necklace of the Night honors in pre-draft intros.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And that last item often puts us closer to those teenage feelings than heartbreak ever can.
    Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026
  • The latest poll puts Bianco in third place at 14%, followed by Tom Steyer, the billionaire hedge fund founder and environmental advocate, at 12%.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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